Spravato Clinical Treatment: A New Option for Treatment- Resistant Depression
For individuals living with depression that has not improved despite multiple treatment attempts,
Spravato offers a new and science-based approach.
What Is Spravato?
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is a prescription nasal spray containing esketamine, a refined form of ketamine. Unlike
traditional antidepressants that are taken daily at home, Spravato is administered in a certified
medical setting under close supervision.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Spravato in 2019 for adults with
treatment-resistant depression, and later expanded their approval to include depressive
symptoms associated with major depressive disorder accompanied by acute suicidal thoughts
or behaviors.
Who May Benefit From Spravato Treatment?
Spravato is recommended for adults who have tried multiple antidepressant medications without
sufficient improvement. It may be beneficial for individuals experiencing:
1
Treatment-resistant depression
2
Severe depressive symptoms that persist despite standard therapy
3
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
How Spravato Works Differently
Most antidepressants work by gradually adjusting levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, or
dopamine—processes that can take weeks to produce noticeable changes. Spravato works
through a completely different pathway.
Esketamine targets the brain’s glutamate system, specifically acting on NMDA and AMPA
receptors. This leads to increased communication between brain cells and promotes the
formation of new neural connections, a process known as synaptic plasticity.
Spravato also enhances activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential
for brain cell growth, repair, and resilience. By strengthening these neural pathways, Spravato
may help the brain recover from patterns associated with long-standing depression.
What to Expect During Treatment
Spravato is administered as a nasal spray in a certified healthcare setting. After each treatment
session, patients are monitored for at least two hours to ensure safety and comfort.
During or shortly after treatment, some individuals may experience temporary effects such as:
These effects typically resolve within the monitoring period. Because of these temporary
changes, patients cannot drive themselves home after treatment.
Speed of Response and Effectiveness
One of the most notable features of Spravato is how quickly some patients experience relief.
Improvements in depressive symptoms often occur within days. However, not everyone
responds the same way, and ongoing treatment may be needed to maintain the benefits.
Carefully Supervised
Due to its unique effects and safety requirements, Spravato is available only through a
specialized FDA Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. This ensures thattreatment is delivered in a controlled, medically supervised environment with appropriate follow-up care.
Get Started
Spravato represents an important advancement in depression treatment—one that focuses not
only on symptom management, but on restoring healthier brain function. It offers renewed hope
for those who have exhausted more traditional options.
A thorough evaluation with a qualified healthcare provider is essential to determine whether
Spravato treatment is right for you. Click below to schedule with us today.